A Victorian man faces fraud charges over allegations he posed as an insurance representative or broker to collect payments from the car repair industry.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) alleges Samuel Tessa obtained money from individuals and businesses in Melbourne on the pretence the payments were needed for insurance premiums.

He has been charged with five counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception and was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on March 29.

ASIC says Mr Tessa initially failed to appear in court on December 18 and was later arrested at Melbourne Airport after returning from overseas on December 26.